When life takes an unexpected turn, and difficult decisions must be made, it is not always easy to know when or if hospice is the answer.
With a 20-year tradition of quality hospice care in the state, Hospice of Arizona offers 10 questions to consider when making the appropriate decision about hospice care.
- Have you been informed by a physician of limited life expectancy?
- Have you had several hospitalizations or visits to the emergency room over the last six months?
- Have you increased your medication for physical pain?
- Have you had several falls within the past six months?
- Have you made frequent phone calls to your physician’s office?
- Is the majority of your day spent in bed or in a chair?
- Do you require assistance with two or more tasks, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, walking or eating?
- Do you have a noticeable shortness of breath, even at rest?
- Do you feel more tired than usual or weaker overall?
- Have you experienced dramatic weight loss, causing your clothes to be noticeably looser than normal?
If four or more of these questions apply, hospice may be the best answer.
For more information, or to make a referral, please contact Hospice of Arizona at (602) 589-2233, or call The Greenfield House to schedule a tour at (480) 646-5141. Visit the website at www.hospiceaz.com.